Due to unfavorable weather conditions in winter, it’s possible to ignore tree care. However, winter is the perfect time to maintain your trees while in dormancy and get them prepared for the next growing season.
4 Essential Tree Care Tips for Winter
1. Strategic pruning
It’s conventional knowledge that trees go into dormancy during winter making it an appropriate time for you to prune. Experts recommend pruning young trees to establish good structure and to prevent physical damage in the future, like weak branches or limb failure. When pruning, it’s important to exercise caution to avoid harming your tree.
Tree wounds don’t heal fast in winter, and prolonged exposure could increase the risk of infection. If you’re not confident about your pruning skills or don’t have the right tools, turn to a professional Fort Walton Beach tree service to get the work done.
2. Protect trees from freeze
Trees tend to become most vulnerable during cooler weather. Young trees and some tropical species cannot withstand freezing temperatures below 32 degrees. As a result, you must be prepared to provide protection to minimize the risk of damage to your trees. To protect your trees, you need to cover the vulnerable trees and plants with sheets, burlap or tarps. Also, you need to bring potted trees and plants to more secure and protected locations.
3. Mulch to retain soil moisture and warmth
The colder weather accelerates water loss from the soil. However, covering the soil with some layers of mulch can help retain moisture and warmth in your soil. Use organic matter such as wood chip mulch with or with leaf matter. When introducing applying, it’s important to stick with the best practices if you want to get a desired result. Mulch should ideally be applied a few inches, 3- to 5 inches from the base of the tree because excess water around the truck can lead to decay.
4. Continue to water when there is no rain
Regular watering is a great way to keep your tree wet when there is no rain. Water young trees and plans once a week or three times every two weeks. Regular watering helps young trees to develop strong roots while preparing them for healthy and rapid growth in spring.
Do you need help maintaining the trees in your landscape this winter? You can trust the expert tree care services provided at New Leaf Arboriculture. For more information about their service, call them at 850-603-1411 or visit their website.
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